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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students'
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1
Simone, Nicole R. "Teachers perspectives of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' histories and cultures in mathematics." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2022. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/227459/1/Nicole_Simone_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis explored how six teachers of mathematics embedded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Histories and Cultures into the core mathematics curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, then written transcripts were analysed through the use of Bernstein’s Theory of Pedagogic Discourse. Teachers shared their perspectives on how they have developed their cultural capabilities, and how this has informed culturally responsive teaching of mathematics. Recommendations are made for how to support in-service teachers with their personal cultural capabilities to authentically embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Histories and Cultures in mathematics curriculum.
2
Miller, Gregory P., and n/a. "Teacher education programs, at James Cook University of North Queensland, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students." University of Canberra. Education, 1988. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061110.103136.
Full textAbstract:
In this thesis I propose to address what are, in my
view, significant educational problems: how to tease out
and analyse those principles, concerning equity and social
justice, which underlie a particular program of teacher education. I want to discuss the kinds of principles,
issues and considerations which have to be faced when
designing such a program as the Diploma of Teaching (Early
Childhood Education) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander students at James Cook University. The issues I
will address are these:
(a) The extent to which the notion of equality of
educational opportunity is being addressed in the
provision of teacher-education programs in
Queensland in general, and James Cook University in
particular; (chapter 1).
(b) Ways in which the Diploma of Teaching (Early
Childhood Education) p r o g r am aims to produce
teachers able to act as agents of bi-cultural
transmission; (chapters 2 and 3).
(c) The value, usefulness and desirability of James
Cook University setting up a teacher-education
program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander students from geographically remote
communities, thus increasing the participation
rates of Aborigines and Islanders in teacher-education programs; (chapters 4 and 5).
This process of analysis has led me to structure the
thesis around three dimensions:
(i) The historical context of the program;
(ii) The program as one response to the problems
faced by educational institutions in meeting
the educational needs of Aboriginal people;
(iii) A basis for the next phase in the development
of new programs of teacher - education for
indigenous students living in remote
communities.
This is a qualitative research project, based on my
interpretation of available documentation, my use of
relevant literature, and my own involvement as planner of,
and teacher in the program. It is not a quantitative
research project. The structure of the thesis has, as its
introduction, an analysis of the extremely complex situation
which exists at James Cook University. This analysis leads
to a search for a set of principles to provide the
theoretical underpinning of the program, which in turn leads
through a combination of theory and practice to the "praxis"
of the program as a model of equity and educational practice
in teacher-education. The thesis is concluded by the
presentation of the current stage in the development of a
program for teacher-education students in remote
communi ties.
The conceptual framework for my thesis has been
developed through my determination to increase my
understanding of the complexities of developing teacher-education
programs for indigenous students at James Cook
University. The thesis is developed through case study
techniques including: personal observation and recording of
my work as Program Planner; a situational analysis of the
historical background, leading up to the development of the
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) ; a
discussion of the stages through which the development team
proceeded with intentionality and empathy towards its task
of constructing a specific program of teacher-education; and
my use of existing literature to comprehend the educational
and social problems which the program attemted to
alleviate.
Throughout my thesis the specificity of the "case", and
the eclectic position I have adopted, have acted as
boundaries of my conceptual framework. My thesis attempts
to show that the "case" of the development of teacher-education
programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
students at James Cook University, although an idiosyncratic
instance , is valuable as illumination , if not for
generalisation, and thus has a credibility and usefulness.
The characteristics of the case-study method are
frequently more appropriate to expansion is than
reductionist activities, and I have tried to show how the
different perspectives of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people, together with the beliefs, attitudes and values of
such different interest-groups as university academics,
Commonwealth and State Education Department bureaucrats, and
teachers and parents in schools, have emphasised both the
importance of questioning assumptions and the importance of
critical, experiential understanding.
3
Hill, Braden. "Transformation at the cultural interface: Exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking university studies." Thesis, Hill, Braden (2020) Transformation at the cultural interface: Exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking university studies. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University, 2020. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/59416/.
Full textAbstract:
While transformative learning has been investigated in a range of contexts, there remains little known about the extent to which higher education is transformative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Therefore, this study explores the experiences of Indigenous students undertaking university studies in order to understand the nuances and complexities of their journeys into and throughout the cultural interface within the context of higher education.
This qualitative interpretive study applied narrative inquiry to investigate the experiences of 19 undergraduate Indigenous university students. Written narratives, focus groups and in-depth interviews were used to collate 19 individual student stories for analysis and interpretation.
The key themes emergent from these narratives related to the students’ development of self-efficacy, the negotiation of their families’ perceptions and expectations and the affirming of their cultural identities as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The two key theoretical concepts used to guide the discussion of the themes were Nakata’s (2007) cultural interface theory and Mezirow’s (1991) transformative learning theory.
The findings of this study revealed that university learning had fostered, for most of the student participants, a sense of transformation and change. New relationships with peers were found to be a critical part of the students’ support network while at university. As the students progressed throughout their studies, they gained confidence and a sense of belonging within the university community. Such enablers fostered an increased sense of self-worth and wellbeing that further developed the students’ sense of self-efficacy and ability to succeed at the cultural interface of higher education. Family was seen as vitally important in relation to support for the students but also at times a challenge to be negotiated carefully. Finally, it was also found that university had strengthened the students’ relationship to their Indigeneity. These findings have key implications for the way institutions support and teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and provides a nuanced insight into their university journeys at the cultural interface.
4
Jones, Patricia Y. "An exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' experience of education: a case study of a Catholic secondary school." Thesis, Australian Catholic University, 2018. https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/download/ecc5499417a1b84be8973e64eb8c92b71f91a037af6620a1daf0d0685ab036b9/2957253/JONES_2018_An_exploration_of_Aboriginal_and_Torres.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The research problem underlying this study concerns the potential of a mainstream secondary school to offer an inclusive and equitable experience of education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) students. The research explores how Indigenous students experience education at St Mary’s Catholic College, Cairns.
Three specific research questions frame the organisation of this study: - How do Indigenous students experience teaching and learning at St Mary’s?
- How do Indigenous parents experience the education of their children at St Mary’s?
- How do Indigenous students and their parents experience the implementation of inclusivity policies at St Mary’s?
This study adopts an interpretivist paradigm that is underpinned by constructionist epistemology. Data are analysed from the theoretical standpoint of symbolic interactionism. A case study methodology organises the choice of data-gathering strategies. These are document analysis, focus group interviews and in-depth, individual interviews. This study’s participants are purposively selected from four stakeholder groups: Indigenous students, Indigenous parents, Indigenous support staff and non-Indigenous teachers. In total, 54 stakeholders were participants.
The research generates seven conclusions that add to new knowledge, practice and policy concerning how Indigenous students experience education at St Mary’s.
First, St Mary’s Indigenous students consider their identification as Indigenous to be irrelevant to their engagement in the learning process or to their achievement of learning outcomes. Further, they argue that a serious focus on school academic work is not inconsistent with honouring Indigenous culture and values.
Second, St Mary’s Indigenous students consider teachers’ non-Indigenous backgrounds to be no disadvantage to their learning. Instead, Indigenous students value the presence of differing cultural identities in the classroom for what they contribute to the learning experience. Similarly, Indigenous parents consider a paucity in the number of Indigenous teachers at St Mary’s will not negatively influence their children’s academic outcomes. Instead, they believe interactions with non-Indigenous teachers to be beneficial learning experiences for their children.
Third, Indigenous parents believe that their decision to enrol their children at St Mary’s is a way of ensuring their positive futures. This decision may incur criticism that is supposedly justified by cultural identification values, from extended family members. St Mary’s Indigenous parents consider the defining and dividing of closely related people in order to maintain boundaries of inclusion and exclusion to be harmful for and divisive of Indigenous people.
Fourth, Indigenous families consider St Mary’s to be an authentic, supportive and engaging place for all school community members. Parents noted that the school’s respect of Indigenous peoples and cultures reflected a fundamental characteristic of Catholic education. They value the policies and practices of inclusive education that honour their cultural identities and enable them to experience belonging to an authentic community.
Fifth, Indigenous students consider it more educationally advantageous that teachers identify and address their individual learning needs rather than employ specific pedagogies considered to be preferred by Indigenous students in general. They are appreciative of reflective educators who adopt a variety of pedagogies in order to communicate authentically with all students.
Sixth, ongoing professional development that challenges teachers to become knowledgeable about the different ways of learning that are equally legitimate and appropriate in diverse teaching contexts is needed at St Mary’s. This professional development would encourage teachers to employ a wide range of pedagogies that ensures quality relationships and communication with Indigenous students.
Seventh, St Mary’s Indigenous support staff form an essential relationship between Indigenous students and their families, non-Indigenous teachers and the College leadership. This relationship allows for a better understanding of cultural differences that encourages positive learning outcomes for all students. Non-Indigenous teachers’ valuing of Indigenous aides and elders as co-educators in the classroom is essential for the successful implementation of inclusive education policies.
5
Oxenford, Alison. "Visual profile of aboriginal & Torres strait islander school children in urban Queensland and their associated vision and reading problems." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2000. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/36752/1/36752_Digitised%20Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The reading and school performance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (A & TSI) children has been reported to be poorer than that of the wider community. The known association between reading and vision formed the basis of the principal hypothesis tested in this thesis that the poor reading performance of these children has a visual basis. Two experiments made up the main study which examined the visual characteristics and reading performance of children attending two different urban schools; the Holy Rosary school, which catered for children from many ("mixed") cultural backgrounds and the St Francis school, whose students were predominantly of A & TSI culture.
In experiment I, the visual characteristics of 41 A & TSI children (13 from the Holy Rosary school, 28 from the St Francis school), aged between 8 and 11 years were measured. In general, A & TSI children exhibited low hyperopic refractive errors and other optometric findings were similarly within normal limits. Agematched data for 13 A & TSI children from each of the two schools was also compared. Horizontal eye movement ability and reading comprehension skills were significantly poorer in the A & TSI children attending the "mixed" (Holy Rosary) school, while the perceptual skills of the A & TSI students attending the "A & TSI" (St Francis) school were significantly worse.
The second experiment investigated the vision and reading performance of A & TSI and non-A & TSI children attending the same school. Age-matched data of 13 A & TSI and 13 non-A & TSI students were analysed. While the visual profiles of the A & TSI and non-A & TSI students were not significantly different, the reading accuracy and comprehension scores were significantly worse in the A & TSI children when compared with the non-A & TSI group. The results from both experiments are consistent with previous reports of poor reading performance in A & TSI children but argue against poor vision being the cause of this reduced reading performance.
As an adjunct to this study, the Turtle chart, designed specifically for use with A & TSI children, was evaluated. The vision of 97 students, 60 A & TSI and 37 non-A & TSI students, aged between 6 and 12 years, was measured using both a standard Bailey-Lovie chart and a Turtle chart. The results obtained with the two charts were highly correlated, indicating that the Turtle chart is a culturally appropriate alternative for the measurement of vision in A & TSI children.
6
Burgess, Andre, and n/a. "Information needs of the staff delivering higher education and TAFE courses to 'remote' Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students or Northern Australia." University of Canberra. Information, Language & Culture, 1995. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060622.103743.
Full textAbstract:
The present study focussed on the information needs of the academic staff of
Batchelor College.* It examined their access to and the provision of adequate and
appropriate resources for the implementation of the Diploma and Associate Diploma
level courses offered through the College. Batchelor College, an institute of tertiary
education, is situated 100 kilometres south of Darwin, Northern Territory,
Australia.
The content and the modes of delivery of Batchelor College courses are specifically
designed to be culturally and socially appropriate to Aboriginal people, particularly
those from traditionally oriented and 'remote' communities. It can only be within
this framework that informed and sensitive research can be conducted.
The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the information needs of
staff delivering higher education courses to 'remote' Aboriginal students of
Northern Australia. Six distinct areas of study emerged: 1, to identify the
information needs; 2, to analyse the information-seeking behaviour; 3, to assess the
level of satisfaction with current information sources; 4, to identify inadequacies in
the existing information seeking processes; 5, to identify constraints experienced;
and 6, to explore how future information needs may be catered for.
A mailed survey instrument was specifically designed and implemented, and it
attracted a response rate of eighty-seven percent. The population under
investigation was the academic staff of Batchelor College, and the variables of: 1,
location; 2, sex; 3, academic school; 4, designation; 5, tenure; 6, length of service;
and 7, educational background were studied in relation to the questions asked.
Results of the survey were analysed using 'Mystat: Statistical Applications',
(1990). Frequency distributions were computed to determine the number of
respondents who selected each option. A number of questions that elicited a
written response were analysed, as were the many extra comments staff members
made throughout the survey.
The study found that the academic staff of Batchelor College are most affected by
the location variable. It appears that how staff members use, regard and value the
information sources used to inform their academic practice is affected by where a
staff member is located. That is, the more isolated a staff member was, both
geographically and professionally, the more significant were the findings of use of
information sources.
The study concludes with considerations of future planning strategies that could
improve the access to and use of information. The study also identifies areas for
further research. * Batchelor College, an institute of tertiary education, is situated 100 kilometres south of Darwin,
Northern Territory, Australia (see Appendix 3).
7
Potia, Azhar Hussain. "Improving educational outcomes using commitments and unconditional incentives: Three empirical essays." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2019. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/125476/1/Azhar_Potia_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The majority of existing educational programs dispense incentives on the condition that students achieve predetermined education targets. Behavioural economists in recent periods have stressed the importance of framing incentives and have begun evaluating the most effective ways to implement incentives and education-based targets. This thesis takes an innovative approach to explore the effects of unconditional incentives and commitment structures on the key educational indicators of Indigenous high school students' attendance rates and effort levels. In doing so, this thesis also addresses a key policy issue in looking at different ways to improve school attendance rates for Indigenous high school students.
8
Hall, Kerry K. "Acute respiratory illness in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2017. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/110528/1/Kerry_Hall_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is the first to comprehensively evaluate Acute Respiratory Illness with Cough (ARIwC) in urban, predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, children. It identified a community experiencing significant disadvantage and a concerning burden of ARIwC. Positive findings include the frequent presentation to primary health care, continuity of primary health care provider, and knowledge of when cough is abnormal; factors that are all critical to the success of interventions and further research to reduce the burden of disease.
9
Hodes, Jeremy. "Torres Strait Islander migration to Cairns before World War II." [S.l. : s.n.], 1998. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/44839600.html.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Master of Letters)--Central Queensland University, 1998."A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Letters in History. Central Queensland University." Cover title.
10
Adams, Michael John. "Sexual and reproductive health problems among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2007. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/16599/1/Michael_John_Adams_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Compared to males in almost any social group in all affluent nations, Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men suffer from substantially more serious illnesses and early death. To date, research done by or in collaboration with Indigenous communities has revealed the extent of the problems that arise from diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancers, respiratory diseases, psychological disorders, accidental injuries, violence and other causes. Reproductive health, however, rarely has been studied among Indigenous men. To date, research in this field has been limited mainly to studies of sexually transmitted infections. No data has been published on Aboriginal men's symptoms of prostate disease or erectile dysfunction, nor has the clinical screening and treatment of these disorders among these men been assessed. In-depth search of the worldwide web demonstrated that little information on these issues was available from other Indigenous populations. It does appear that Indigenous men in Australia, New Zealand and North America are less likely than European-ancestry men to die from prostate cancer, or for living cases to be recorded on cancer registries. This may arise because Indigenous men genuinely have a lower risk, or because they are not captured by official statistics, or because they do not live long enough to develop severe prostate disease. We also know very little about other reproductive health problems such as sexual dysfunction and specifically erectile difficulties. One reason for our scant knowledge is that research mainly relies on self-report of sensitive information. The aim of the research study was to improve the understanding of sexual and reproductive health problems experienced by Indigenous men. This is best gathered by Aboriginal males who are inside the culture of middleaged and older Indigenous men, but until now this has not been attempted. In this study we adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions for Reproductive and Sexual Health (WHO, 2001). Thus, we consider reproductive system disorders (prostate disease, erectile dysfunction) and related health care-seeking, and also men's perceptions about a "satisfying and safe sexual life". The methodology was framed within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research protocol that advocates respect for cultural, social and community customs. A mixed method design combined qualitative inquiry (4 focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews) and quantitative survey (n=301) involving men living in remote, rural and urban communities (Tiwi Islands, Darwin and north and south-east Queensland). Survey data were compared to recently published self-reports from 5990 randomly selected men aged over 40 years in Australia (Holden et al., 2005, The Lancet, 366, 218-224. The qualitative interviews revealed that most men were silent about reproductive health. They were unwilling to reveal their inner feelings to wives or partners, and they were unwilling to discuss such issues with doctors and other health care workers. Men's reaction to sexual difficulties included shame, denial, substance abuse and occasionally violence. On a positive note many men said they want to learn about it, so they understand how to cope with such problems. The Indigenous men reported symptoms of erectile dysfunction at least as much as non-Indigenous men in other Australian studies. Bivariate analysis showed that erectile dysfunction was correlated with many health and lifestyle variable. However multivariate analysis revealed that only three factors significantly predicted ED: presence of chronic disease, presence of pain when working, and living in a remote geographic location The quantitative survey data indicate that Indigenous men have more symptoms of prostate disease than non-Indigenous men. The syndrome appears to be poorly managed in clinical practice (e.g. rates of PSA testing and digital-rectal examination are only one-third the rate reported by non-Aboriginal men, despite equivalent likelihood of GP visits). The research study adds to the literature by providing better insight and depth into the issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males experiencing reproductive and sexual health difficulties. It also provides a platform to undertake comprehensive research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to explore a wider spectrum of questions in this important but neglected area. Implications for education of primary healthcare workers and community-based awareness campaigns for Indigenous males are discussed. Most of all, this study revealed "layers" of silence around sexual and reproductive health of Indigenous men. This includes silence in the scientific establishments in health services, and in the community. It is hoped that this study puts the voices of the men forward to help to break down this silence.
11
Adams, Michael John. "Sexual and reproductive health problems among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males." Queensland University of Technology, 2007. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16599/.
Full textAbstract:
Compared to males in almost any social group in all affluent nations, Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men suffer from substantially more serious illnesses and early death. To date, research done by or in collaboration with Indigenous communities has revealed the extent of the problems that arise from diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancers, respiratory diseases, psychological disorders, accidental injuries, violence and other causes. Reproductive health, however, rarely has been studied among Indigenous men. To date, research in this field has been limited mainly to studies of sexually transmitted infections. No data has been published on Aboriginal men's symptoms of prostate disease or erectile dysfunction, nor has the clinical screening and treatment of these disorders among these men been assessed. In-depth search of the worldwide web demonstrated that little information on these issues was available from other Indigenous populations. It does appear that Indigenous men in Australia, New Zealand and North America are less likely than European-ancestry men to die from prostate cancer, or for living cases to be recorded on cancer registries. This may arise because Indigenous men genuinely have a lower risk, or because they are not captured by official statistics, or because they do not live long enough to develop severe prostate disease. We also know very little about other reproductive health problems such as sexual dysfunction and specifically erectile difficulties. One reason for our scant knowledge is that research mainly relies on self-report of sensitive information. The aim of the research study was to improve the understanding of sexual and reproductive health problems experienced by Indigenous men. This is best gathered by Aboriginal males who are inside the culture of middleaged and older Indigenous men, but until now this has not been attempted. In this study we adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions for Reproductive and Sexual Health (WHO, 2001). Thus, we consider reproductive system disorders (prostate disease, erectile dysfunction) and related health care-seeking, and also men's perceptions about a "satisfying and safe sexual life". The methodology was framed within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research protocol that advocates respect for cultural, social and community customs. A mixed method design combined qualitative inquiry (4 focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews) and quantitative survey (n=301) involving men living in remote, rural and urban communities (Tiwi Islands, Darwin and north and south-east Queensland). Survey data were compared to recently published self-reports from 5990 randomly selected men aged over 40 years in Australia (Holden et al., 2005, The Lancet, 366, 218-224. The qualitative interviews revealed that most men were silent about reproductive health. They were unwilling to reveal their inner feelings to wives or partners, and they were unwilling to discuss such issues with doctors and other health care workers. Men's reaction to sexual difficulties included shame, denial, substance abuse and occasionally violence. On a positive note many men said they want to learn about it, so they understand how to cope with such problems. The Indigenous men reported symptoms of erectile dysfunction at least as much as non-Indigenous men in other Australian studies. Bivariate analysis showed that erectile dysfunction was correlated with many health and lifestyle variable. However multivariate analysis revealed that only three factors significantly predicted ED: presence of chronic disease, presence of pain when working, and living in a remote geographic location The quantitative survey data indicate that Indigenous men have more symptoms of prostate disease than non-Indigenous men. The syndrome appears to be poorly managed in clinical practice (e.g. rates of PSA testing and digital-rectal examination are only one-third the rate reported by non-Aboriginal men, despite equivalent likelihood of GP visits). The research study adds to the literature by providing better insight and depth into the issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males experiencing reproductive and sexual health difficulties. It also provides a platform to undertake comprehensive research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to explore a wider spectrum of questions in this important but neglected area. Implications for education of primary healthcare workers and community-based awareness campaigns for Indigenous males are discussed. Most of all, this study revealed "layers" of silence around sexual and reproductive health of Indigenous men. This includes silence in the scientific establishments in health services, and in the community. It is hoped that this study puts the voices of the men forward to help to break down this silence.
12
Grootjans, John, of Western Sydney Hawkesbury University, and of Health Humanities and Social Ecology Faculty. "Both ways and beyond : in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker education." THESIS_FHHSE_SEL_Grootjans_J.xml, 1999. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/445.
Full textAbstract:
During 1987 my essential beliefs about the nature of the world were challenged by a chance event which led to my arrival in Arnhemland. Working with Aboriginal people allowed me to see first hand the failings of Western ideas in Aboriginal education and health. This is how a 12 year collaboration with Aboriginal people began. The aim was to search for answers to the question, 'Why so many ideas that had been successfully used in the Western world, fail to meet the needs of aboriginal people? My experiences prior to 1995 had led me to believe that Both Ways, an education pedagogy developed in teacher education, was the best approach for empowering Aboriginal Health Workers. I believed Both Ways gave Aboriginal Health Workers a means to develop solutions to aboriginal health issues which valued and respected their aboriginal knowledge. I needed to describe and evaluate the practice of both ways with Aboriginal Health workers for the purpose of proving the benefit of this pedagogy for other educators in this field. This thesis describes how I came to think Both Ways was a good idea; how I defined Both ways; and how I put it into practice. It also provides a description of the issues raised in my critique of Both Ways and in my attempts to provide answers to these issues. Several years of collecting data, including records from action research group discussions, participant observation, interviews with peers and students, and formal evaluations left me with many concerns about Both Ways. As educators follow my journey of discovery I hope that they will recognise experiences and insights that they themselves have shared. The descriptions and discussions in this thesis will add significantly to the overall discourse about health worker education. Similarly, the exploration of ideas beyond Both Ways will add significantly to the overall body knowledge about the power relationships involved in teaching in a cross cultural settingDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
13
Grootjans, John. "Both ways and beyond : in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker education /." View thesis, 1999. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030725.103057/index.html.
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14
Hogarth, Melitta Dorn. "A critical analysis of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2015. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/89754/1/Melitta_Hogarth_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study involves the analysis of one of the most recent Indigenous Education policies, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan 2010-2014 (MCEECDYA, 2011). It examines how the language used within policy positions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Articulating Rigney's (1999) Indigenist Research Principles with Fairclough's (2001) Critical Discourse Analysis provides a platform for critical dialogues about policy decision-making. In doing so, this articulation enables and emphasises the need for potential policy revision to contribute to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander struggle for self-determination.
15
Shepherd, Carrington C. J. "The socioeconomic pattern of health and developmental outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children." Thesis, Curtin University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/712.
Full textAbstract:
The pervasive health and social disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an acknowledged part of Australian society. The contemporary data reveal striking inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in most measurable aspects of wellbeing across the life cycle. This reflects a postcolonial history of marginalisation and exclusion from mainstream society, dispossession of traditional lands, forced separation from family and kinship networks, and racism. Despite an increased awareness and disapproval of these inequalities in health, the inequalities persist.The lack of progress in the face of public disapproval and progressive government support underscores the fact that we still do not adequately understand the fundamental causes of Indigenous ill health and disease. A small body of research in Australia has highlighted that socioeconomic status (SES) accounts for a portion of the gap in health but this does not imply that they account for health differences within Indigenous population groups. A robust international literature has consistently shown that socioeconomic factors influence population health. These factors reflect the way in which society is ordered according to wealth, prestige, power, social standing or one’s control over economic resources, and their pattern of association with health has almost always depicted better health for those who are better off— that is, the health of population groups normally follows a gradient pattern. Despite the ubiquity of this observation in the empirical literature, there is uncertainty as to whether it applies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in Australia.Accordingly, this thesis has aimed to assess the pattern of socioeconomic disparities in the health and development of Indigenous populations in Australia, with a specific focus on children. The three key objectives were to: • Describe the developmental status of Indigenous children and the mechanisms that influence this status; • Determine the pattern of association between socioeconomic factors and physical and mental health outcomes; and • Reveal the significant differences (and similarities) in the socioeconomic pattern of child health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, and articulate these in terms of their direction, shape and magnitude.The objectives of the study were primarily assessed using a quantitative analytic framework applied to four existing population-representative datasets: the 2008 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, the 2000–2002 Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey, the 2004–05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey and 2004–05 National Health Survey. Simple univariate and cross-tabulation data were used to describe population characteristics, while the relationships between socioeconomic indicators and health outcomes were assessed using a range of regression techniques. Multilevel models are an important feature of this study, and have enabled a more accurate estimation of the effects of individual and area-level measures of SES on health. Generalised Additive Models were used to account for the possible non-linear nature of associations between continuous SES variables and physical health outcomes, with results presented as non-parametric spline curves. The mechanisms linking SES and mental health were explored using a stepwise approach to the regression analysis. All data in all chapters were weighted to reflect population benchmarks.The findings highlighted that there were significant socioeconomic disparities in the health of Indigenous children in Australia, although the direction, shape and magnitude varied, by both socioeconomic measure and health outcome. While the socioeconomic patterns of Indigenous child health are not universal, they are more consistent for mental than physical health. In addition, the thesis has shown that both conventional and alternative notions of SES can influence health patterns. The largest disparities in child physical health were observed for area-level SES indicators, while housing characteristics and area-level SES both had a strong direct effect on child mental health.The thesis has demonstrated that the patterns of socioeconomic disparities in child health differ markedly in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations—at least in non-remote settings. It was not uncommon for the magnitude of disparity to be larger in the Indigenous population. These findings lend support to the notion that socioeconomic factors have a differential impact on the health of Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. The implication of this for policy is that a single approach to stimulating socioeconomic conditions will not have equal benefits to child health outcomes in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. While the evidence here underscores the validity of the well-worn edict that “one size does not fit all” in Indigenous health policy, it also reinforces the need to examine health disparities within and across Indigenous and other population groups in order to better inform policy and practiceCollectively, the results have provided clear evidence that socioeconomic factors matter to both the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The diversity of findings implies that SES factors are one facet of the unique and complex set of factors that influence Aboriginal child health and wellbeing.This thesis has made several original contributions to the literature on social inequalities in Indigenous health in Australia and the broader field of social determinants of health. It is one of the few studies internationally to explicitly look at the socioeconomic patterning of health in an Indigenous population, and the first to examine these patterns among Indigenous children using population-representative data. In doing so, the study has begun to bridge the knowledge gap on social inequalities in Aboriginal health in Australia, and will facilitate a better grasp of the complex underlying mechanisms that determine Aboriginal health.For policy, this knowledge can lead to more effective government decision-making in terms of targeting social determinants of health that are of particular significance for Aboriginal populations. It is hoped that the findings of the thesis can provide directions for future research and insights to policy that will, ultimately, increase the pace of change toward health equity in Australia.
16
Miller, Melinda G. "Action for change? Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in early childhood education curricula." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2013. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/60905/5/60905.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis focuses on non-Indigenous educators’ work around embedding Indigenous perspectives in early childhood education curricula. In place of reporting examples of ‘good’ educational practice, the study questions how whiteness and racism continue to operate in diversity work that is seen to be productive and inclusive. The thesis argues for a more comprehensive framework for embedding Indigenous perspectives in before-school contexts to support educators’ efforts. New strategies for professional development are also suggested to support changes in disciplinary knowledge and pedagogy.
17
Hughes, Bridget Y. "Collective impact: Closing the gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2022. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/230011/1/Bridget_Hughes_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examined the educational outcomes for Indigenous children enrolled in Queensland state (public) primary schools from the perspective of the collective and social impact of programs and services. The study used quantifiable data to show that the gap is not closing, regardless of an improvement in attendance, along with literacy and numeracy achievement levels, in certain regions of Queensland.
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Aldrich, Rosemary Public Health & Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine UNSW. "Flesh-coloured bandaids: politics, discourse, policy and the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1972-2001." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Public Health and Community Medicine, 2006. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/27276.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis concerns the relationship between ideology, values, beliefs, politics, language, discourses, public policy and health outcomes. By examining the origins of federal health policy concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1972-2001 I have explored the idea that the way a problem is constructed through language determines solutions enacted to solve that problem, and subsequent outcomes. Despite three decades of federal policy activity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children born at the start of the 21st Century could expect to live almost 20 years less than non-Indigenous Australians. Explanations for the gap include that the colonial legacy of dispossession and disease continues to wreak social havoc and that both health policy and structures for health services have been fundamentally flawed. The research described in this thesis focuses on the role of senior Federal politicians in the health policy process. The research is grounded in theory which suggests that the values and beliefs of decision makers are perpetuated through language. Using critical discourse analysis the following hypotheses were tested: 1. That an examination of the language of Federal politicians responsible for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples over three decades would reveal their beliefs, values and discourses concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their health 2. That the discourses of the Federal politicians contributed to policy discourses and frames in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy environment, and 3. That there is a relationship between the policy discourses of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy environment and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The hypotheses were proven. I concluded that there was a relationship between the publicly-expressed values and beliefs of politicians responsible for health, subsequent health policy and resulting health outcomes. However, a model in which theories of discourse, social constructions of people and problems, policy development and organisational decision-making were integrated did not adequately explain the findings. I developed the concept of "policy imagination" to explain the discrete mechanism by which ideology, politics, policy and health were related. My research suggests that the ideology and values which drove decision-making by Federal politicians responsible for the health of all Australians contributed to the lack of population-wide improvement in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the late 20th Century.
19
Peacock, Janice, and n/a. "Inner Weavings: Cultural Appropriateness for a Torres Strait Island Woman Artist of Today." Griffith University. Queensland College of Art, 2006. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20070327.140720.
Full textAbstract:
This exegesis examines the context of my studio work submitted for the degree of Doctor of Visual Art at Griffith University in 2004. My art practice reflects my identity, which is complex and many-stranded, but at its core is my identity as a 21st century woman of Torres Strait Islander descent. I also acknowledge multiple heritages and, like many of my contemporaries, I am a descendant of those two thirds of the Torres Strait population who now live on the Australian mainland. Having been born and brought up on the mainland also means that I am connected to, and have been affected by, wider Australian Indigenous issues, particularly those resulting from the alienation and dislocation which stem from colonialism. Therefore, as I draw from both traditional and contemporary modes and theory to explore the appropriateness of my art practice, this exegesis centres on the question: What constitutes culturally appropriate practice for me as a contemporary Torres Strait Island woman?
20
Fairfoot, Glen. "Torres strait islander students' experiences transitioning from various locations to Brisbane to undertake university studies." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2020. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/197684/1/Glen_Fairfoot_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This research project was undertaken to ascertain what Torres Strait Islander students, who have relocated from various locations around Australia to Brisbane in order to attend university, report as having assisted them in their transition to a metropolitan area to undertake their university studies or suggest would have assisted them. The findings of this research contribute to knowledge about how current and future Torres Strait Islander students can be better supported to transition to university and improve their chances of success whilst at university.
21
Kirkwood, Sandra Jane. "Frameworks of culturally engaged community music practice in rural Ipswich." Thesis, Griffith University, 2009. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/132103/2/132103.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study is a critical reflection on two music projects that I conducted in my home area of Ipswich, Australia, prior to undertaking this research. The music projects involved participatory action research to investigate the music heritage and culture of the rural Ipswich region. The purpose of this study is to review and analyse the creative processes that I used in the rural Ipswich music projects in order to develop suitable practice frameworks for similar projects in future. The first music project was a collaborative investigation of the music history of Purga in rural Ipswich (2003-2005). Local people and those who used to live in the area were invited to come back to share memories of the music from the area with one another. People collaborated creatively: This allowed me to write The Purga Music Story and Harold Blair (2005), an inter-generational community education package. In 2003, we established the Purga Music Museum as a meeting place where the music heritage and culture of our neighbourhood is performed and displayed. The second music project (2006) was a study of contemporary music in rural Ipswich that resulted in community consultation and the development of a Music Action Plan for the area. I continued facilitating community music in rural Ipswich, as the curator of the Purga Music Museum, until 2008. Both music projects presented different challenges in the establishment of processes that would be effective for the needs and interests of people from various cultural groups. The work was fraught with complex decisions and ethical dilemmas about representation and music cultural heritage management because our neighbourhood previously contained the Purga Aboriginal Mission (1915-1948). The findings therefore relate to the struggles of the ‘Stolen Generation’-- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were taken away from their families and forced to live in government-controlled residential situations. New, respectful approaches had to be found, conducive to the health and well-being of all concerned. For this reason, participatory action research methods were developed and a ‘Community of Discovery’ approach was used. Throughout this study, I investigate issues that arose as people told their music stories, and passed on music heritage and culture from one generation to the next. The key question is “What are appropriate frameworks of culturally engaged community music practice for rural Ipswich?” This study also draws on findings from the music projects to address the sub-questions, “How did community music practice function in the past in rural Ipswich?” “What is the current situation regarding contemporary community music practice in rural Ipswich?” and “What can be done to enhance future community music practice for rural Ipswich?” Aspects of music and health practice complement each other in this study. As a dual qualified music and health professional, I draw on expertise from both of these areas. Ethnographic methods were used to record and review the findings from each music project. The analysis is grounded in review of literature and other sources, creative display and performance, analysis of music history, community consultation, and critical reflection on my own community music practice. Finally, this evidence-based process of professional reasoning leads to the development of appropriate practice frameworks that transform the way that I intend to deliver services in future, and will hopefully inspire others. The thesis has five parts. The context and rationale for the research are outlined in Part 1. This is followed by description of the two music projects in Part 2. Part 3 is an exploration of how my music practice is situated in relation to scholarly literature (and other sources) and outlines the chosen theoretical constructs or models. This prepares for critical analysis and discussion of specific issues that arose from reflection on practice in Part 4. The conclusions of the research, presented in chapter 9, outline the creative processes, underlying principles, and the philosophy of my practice. The study concludes with an epilogue, which is a consideration of the present situation and suggested future directions for service provision and research.
22
Ah-Wong, Wayne, and w. ah-wong@cqu edu au. "Living between cultures: Reflections of three Mackay Elders: Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and South Sea Island residents in Mackay from the 1930s to 2000." Central Queensland University. Nulloo Yumbah, 2007. http://library-resources.cqu.edu.au./thesis/adt-QCQU/public/adt-QCQU20081005.163730.
Full textAbstract:
The Thesis explores the life situations of the three Mackay-based groups: Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander through oral history research and the lived experience of an Elder from each of these groups. Using a combination of oral and written approaches, the project seeks to document ongoing interactions between the three groups from the 1930s and assess their implications for culture, identity and mobility.
23
Joliffe, Edward Keith, and n/a. "Developing a multiple discourse model of analysis through an evaluation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy." University of Canberra. Education, 1995. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060802.170810.
Full textAbstract:
The overarching research problem for this study was the need to improve
upon rational models of policy analysis and delivery, to suit complex postmodern
implementation environments. A theoretical model suited to implementing and
evaluating major education reform initiatives was devised. Called the 'Multiple Discourse Model', it was grounded in systems theory, containing elements
reminiscent of social systems, organisational and structural functionalist research,
especially that of Hoy and Miskel (1982)1. However the model was also designed
to incorporate a parallel naturalistic analysis reminiscent of postmodern critical
pragmatic approaches, such as those explored by Cherryholmes (1994)2. Over a
period of five years, this model was developed through an evaluation of the
implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy (AEP) in the Australian Capital Territory government secondary schools
sector.
The distinguishing feature of the study's methodology was its multiperspective
analysis, an approach suggested by Mclaughlin (1987)3 to take account
of the differing communities of discourse which exist in a reformist policy
implementation environment.
To operationalise the research problem, dimensions of policy effectiveness
were articulated. These were addressed through a comprehensive set of research
indicators, extracted from the AEP's national policy goals and the local strategic and
operational plans. Data aimed at judging the effectiveness of implementation were
collected from multiple sources using multiple research instruments. These data
were analysed in three stages using a purpose-designed computer program which
could cross-reference between the four interacting dimensions of research
indicators, research instruments, data sources, and potential variables modifying
policy/program outcomes.
It was found that this model produced clear conclusions about the
effectiveness of AEP implementation in the delimited sector, within the framework
of the AEP's own policy assumptions. The model also provided insights into critical
issues which are generalisable to the national context, such as the power of cultural
hegemony and the socio-political predicament of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander dispossession. As a methodology, the model was found to have a number
of technical advantages, including its capacity for focussing on selected areas of the
implementation environment, its provision of access to multiple levels of detail
amongst data and its possession of mechanisms for monitoring its own internal
validity.
The evaluation case study, used as the vehicle for the Multiple Discourse
Model's development, demonstrated that best-practice administration was in place
which enhanced short and medium-term policy/program outcomes. However, the
study's findings also suggested that a fundamental disjuncture existed between the
AEP's policy/administration paradigm and the conflicting assumptions of the primary
target communities, reinforcing the findings of Sykes (1986)4. The research results
suggested that despite measurable successful inputs, the planned long-term
outcomes of the AEP will not necessarily be achieved. No significant administrative
structures or actions were apparent which could resolve this lack of synchrony at the
interface between government delivery systems and 'grass roots' Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander community values. This raised doubts about whether any
systems approach, however well refined, could be socially useful not only for
evaluation, but also as a basis for reform policy and public administration in a
postmodern pluralist democratic setting. The evaluation was therefore used as a
locus for theoretical reflection as well.
A new policy paradigm is suggested, based on a power-sharing 'theory of
community', more in keeping with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples'
aspirations for self determination and more likely to alleviate the so far unresolved
destructive effects of cultural and political dispossession.
24
Turner, Patricia, and n/a. "From paternalism to participation : the role of the Commonwealth in the administration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs policy." University of Canberra. Administrative Studies, 1994. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061109.161356.
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Shay, Marnee. "Practices of alternative schools in Queensland in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to remain engaged in education." Thesis, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2013. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/71023/1/71023_SHAY_Thesis_final.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Alternative schools are an emerging model of education offered to young people who have been disenfranchised from conventional schooling opportunities. The body of literature on alternative schools in Australia has not identified how many Indigenous young people are engaged with alternative schools and how alternative schools are supporting Indigenous young people to remain engaged in education. It is well documented that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience significant disadvantage including poorer educational outcomes than their non-Indigenous peers. This study seeks to contribute to improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interactions with alternative schools in Queensland and investigating the practices of alternative school leaders in terms of how they are supporting Indigenous young people to remain engaged in education.
Critical race theory informed the development of this study. An Aboriginal researcher sought to shift the focus of this study away from Indigenous young people to Principals; to explore their perspective of their own knowledge and practices in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people at their school. Using survey methodology, a web-based questionnaire was developed to survey Principals’ providing data on alternative schools in Queensland including the demographics of the alternative school; self-reported knowledge of Indigenous cultures and communities and practices that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people at their alternative school.
There are nine key findings that emerged through the analysis of this study: key finding one is the high percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people enrolled in schools surveyed; key finding two is there is a high percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed in the schools; key finding three is the majority of the schools are located in low socio-economic areas; key finding four is the strong willingness of Principals’ in this study to engage in self-directed learning in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; key finding five is the limited demonstration of understandings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities; key finding six is the most prevalent practice of Principals’ in this study is the celebration of cultural events and cultural activities; key finding seven is the limited Principal engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their families and the local community; key finding eight is the practice of alternative schools provides limited support and nurturing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young person’s cultural identity and key finding nine is that Principals’ are relying heavily on informal discussions with staff to know what their staff’s knowledge and skills are in relation to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
There are multiple implications that have arisen from this study. The data demonstrated high numbers of Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander students and staff. The data also revealed that Principal’s demonstration of knowledge in relation to Indigenous cultures and communities was limited, as well as limited Principal engagement with Indigenous young peoples, families and communities. Therefore a major practical implication of this study is the urgent need for quality cultural learning opportunities for leaders of alternative schools to improve practices. Additionally, the implications of this study support an urgent need for further research on the role alternative schools are playing in supporting Indigenous young people to remain engaged in education.
26
Singh, Adrian A. "Socio-economic, geographic, and aboriginal and Torres strait islander inequalities in diabetic foot disease and diabetes-related lower extremity amputations." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2018. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/119222/1/Adrian_Singh_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Diabetic foot disease (DFD) which can result in an amputation is one of the leading reasons why a person with diabetes is hospitalised. With minimal knowledge of the impact of social factors, this study examined hospitalisation related to DFD and eventual amputations in Queensland. A total of 19,790 people in Queensland who were hospitalised for DFD were people from more disadvantaged areas tended to be younger, live in remote areas, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin with amputations being significantly higher for persons of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. It is the first time a study has investigated the pattern of DFD hospitalisation and amputation by social factors.
27
Shay, Marnee. "Counter stories: Developing Indigenist research methodologies to capture the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in flexi school contexts." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2017. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/107925/4/Marnee_Shay_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The focus of this study was to centre the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in flexi school context. The voices prominent in this study are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educative staff in flexi schools and my voice, as an Aboriginal researcher. Flexi schools are engaging with high numbers of Indigenous people, yet this context of schooling is relatively absent from the broader Indigenous education discourse. This qualitative study explores the experiences of Indigenous staff in flexi schools in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Using autoethnography, I documented my experiences as an Aboriginal education researcher using yarning methodology in institutionalised education settings to consider new uses of Indigenist methodology and identify practical implications for Indigenous researchers using Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing in settings that have historically perpetuated exclusion, imperialism and racism.
28
Ford, Suzanne, and n/a. "At the intersection of intercultural and organisational communication : a study of communication within ATSIC and between ATSIC and its clients." University of Canberra. Professional Communication Studies, 1998. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060710.123605.
Full textAbstract:
The realm of research into the various aspects of organisations is wide-ranging, offering
any researcher immense freedom to investigate those area(s) which are of particular
interest to him/her. While there are set theoretical parameters for studying
organisations, eg. various theories looking at organisational communication, structure
and networks, the only real limitation lies in the mind of the researcher. That is the
beauty and nature of organisations, they do not have to wholly conform to any set ideal,
rather they have the opportunity to be unique and diverse depending upon the
organisation's purpose.
It seems that most investigations of organisations are one dimensional, ie. reporting on
what actually happens or how efficient processes are or attempting to define aspects of
culture. However, in this thesis a second dimension has been added�intercultural
aspects of communication. Hence, the research evaluates the intersection of the
intercultural communication which exists within an organisation.
For this two dimensional approach, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was chosen. As with most bureaucratic organisations, due to the
size and complexity it is not practicable to look at an entire organisation For this
thesis, a case study of one of ATSIC's twenty-seven regional offices was undertaken.
Details of this follow in the paper; however, the two main reasons for choosing to
complete a case study of ATSIC are 1) because the author is full-time employee with
access to people, facts and inside information that might otherwise not be available and
2) ATSIC is not a typical bureaucracy; rather it is atypical due to its structure and
purpose, which is to further the economic, social and cultural diversity of Aboriginal
people and Torres Strait Islanders. While part of the Commonwealth Government,
ATSIC is founded upon, and is committed to, furthering both intercultural concepts and
the economic status of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. This is
accomplished by ATSIC being the major advisory body to Government; attending
national and international policy forums; raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander cultures; and in providing supplementary funding (through both grant
and loan initiatives) which supports other funding that is given to indigenous people or
organisations through Government mainstream programs (health, housing, education,
social welfare etc.).
To further limit the scope of this research, the communication which has been analysed
is that relating to grant administration. As ATSIC plays a major role in providing grant
funding to indigenous people, this area of evaluation is highly important, as it shows
how ATSIC (represented by one regional office) carries out its functions and business:
providing services and assistance to its clients�the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait
Islanders.
The case study includes comments gleaned from both questionnaires and interviews
from staff and managers within the chosen regional office. This also includes views of
indigenous and non-indigenous people as well as views from the elected community
representatives of that region. It is envisaged that by incorporating the views of those
mentioned above, that the data is as complete, valid and reliable as possible As with
any traditional group of people, there are different norms and cultures which permeate
their social and working lives. The information presented in this thesis is based on
views of a non-indigenous person who has collected data from one specific region and
it is not valid to generalise these findings to other regions in Australia.
Communication in ATSIC is highly complex and difficult to explain to those outside
the organisation. A main reason for this is that there are many requirements that both
the Government and the indigenous communities place on ATSIC, and unfortunately
they are often diametrically opposed. This creates quite an ironic and disharmonious
situation for all parties concerned�a bureaucracy versus intercultural perspectives.
These situations are discussed throughout the thesis. It is important for readers to note
that the ideas which are conveyed in this thesis are the author's own and are not
necessarily those of ATSIC, the Government or indigenous people.
This research experience is one which has been extremely beneficial for the author.
While the author's personal views may not be aligned with others, I challenge those
people to read not only this thesis, but other work like it so that they may be in a
position to make their own informed decisions about controversial issues such as
Aboriginal affairs.
29
Parkin, Stephanie. "The theft of culture and inauthentic art and craft: Australian consumer law and Indigenous intellectual property." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2020. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/205870/2/Stephanie_Parkin_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis addresses the 2017 Parliamentary Inquiry into the ‘growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘style’ art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia’. Inauthentic art and craft is Aboriginal ‘style’ souvenir products that are created without the involvement of an Aboriginal person. This thesis prioritises the evidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the 2017 Inquiry, investigates intellectual property and consumer law and explores colonial influences and power dynamics that allow inauthentic art and craft to exist. This thesis answers the question: ‘How can the law protect Aboriginal cultural expression from exploitation?’
30
Robinson, Raymond Stanley, of Western Sydney Nepean University, and of Social Community and Organisational Studies School. "Dreaming tracks : history of the Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Scheme, 1972-1979 : its place in the continuum." THESIS_XXX_SCOS_Robinson_R.xml, 2000. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/76.
Full textAbstract:
Dreaming Tracks was chosen for the title of this history because of its reference to the journeys and routes taken by the ancestral founders of each of the extended family clans. As they travelled they recorded the events and situations they encountered along the way , which they left in story, painting, song lines and dances for the future survival of their people. The history of the Aboriginal/Islander Skills Development Scheme also pertains to a journey. This journey records the events that brought about the establishment of the longest surviving, urban Indigenous dance organization. It's a voyage that identifies the obstacles and accomplishments of its founding members, who dedicated themselves to the hard work to ensure the continuum of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance. It was their dream, to have an Australian Black Dance Company that would create a link between past and present, traditional and urban. The pathways they created equipped urban Indigenous Australians with a unique dance identity of their own, and established the path to continued contact with the traditional owners. Dreaming Tracks is contemporary Dreaming lore that begins with the contention for land rights in the early 1970's and follows the progress of the Aboriginal/Islander Skills Development Scheme to the end of the decade. It records the desires, dreams and conflicts that brought this organization into being. In parallel, the concerns of the founder, Carole Y. Johnson, sets the path for the journey, which by the end of the twentieth-century witnessed the establishment of an accredited dance course, two dance companies (The Aboriginal/Islander Dance Theatre and Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia) and students who are key participants in the artistic design of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney AustraliaMaster of Arts (Hons) (Performance)
31
Cannon, Jonathan. "Reading between the crimes: Online media’s representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s interaction with the criminal justice system in post-apology Australia." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2018. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2140.
Full textAbstract:
Australian research confirms that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience high levels of social inequality, racism and injustice. Evidence of discrimination and inequality is most obvious within the criminal justice system where they are seriously over-represented. The Australian news media plays a large part in reinforcing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inequality, stereotypes and racist ideology within specific situations such as the Northern Territory Emergency Response and the Redfern riots. This study widens the scope from how the media reports a single criminal justice event to how the media reports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s interaction with the criminal justice system. The study relies on Norman Fairclough’s (2003) theory of critical discourse analysis to analyse critically 25 Australian online news media articles featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Specifically, the study applies Fairclough’s (2003) three assumptive categories (existential, propositional and value). It identifies discourse reinforcing dominance and inequality within those media articles and reveals two major findings. The first significant finding is the unwillingness of any article to challenge or question the power structures that reinforce or lead to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inequality. The second major finding involves three ideologies within the text communicating racism and inequality: neo-colonial, neo-liberal assimilation and paternalistic ideologies. The concern is that although the twenty-five news media articles appear neutral, the critical analysis reveals racist ideologies being communicated and an unwillingness to challenge the power structures that create these. This position suggests that racism is not just a problem of a bygone era—it is a contemporary issue continuing at a deeper level nestled in the underlying assumptions and ideologies found within news media discourse. These findings would bring awareness to the media’s discursive practices and generate further discussion and research to address the discursive structures responsible for perpetuating the systemic harm to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
32
Harald, Patrice E. "Is it too late by eight? Recognising the protective factors of culture, education and family in raising resilient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2017. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/112183/1/Patrice_Harald_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study explores the development of resilience and cultural resilience and the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the early years 0-8 years. Cultural resilience is based on success and Indigenous worldviews. Participants indicated that culture, family and community play a significant role in growing up children. It enabled children to cope with transitioning between home, community and the school community. Factors such as a knowing one's culture, protocols, having respect for self and others builds strength,identity and ability to display empathy to others. Family and culture provide children from a young age that knowing where they belong, where they come from and in having strong connection to country and kin, and community enables them to navigate the many challenges in society they may face in a positive and respectful way.
33
Robinson, Raymond Stanley. "Dreaming tracks : history of the Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Scheme, 1972-1979 : its place in the continuum of Australian indigenous dance and the contribution of its African American founder, Carole Y. Johnson /." View thesis View thesis, 2000. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030604.085603/index.html.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.A.) (Honours) -- University of Western Sydney, Nepean, 2000.A thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Honours) - (Performance), School of Applied Social and Human Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Nepean, 2000. Bibliography : Vol. 1, leaves 202-209.
34
Heath, Treesa. "Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in higher education: a yarn with ITAS tutors." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1424175.
Full textAbstract:
Bachelor Honours - Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)/ Bachelor of Arts (Hons)The Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme – Tertiary Tuition [ITAS] has provided individual and small group supplementary course content tuition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students since the 1990s. Although linked to increases in higher education participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic sector employment, the Federal government announced cessation of ITAS as at the end of 2015. Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in higher education will now come via the Indigenous Advancement Strategy [IAS]. Recognising the urgency of documenting valuable community knowledge before it was diminished, this qualitative case study drew on the theoretical literature surrounding Indigenous research, education and government policy and policy review. Purposefully sampling ITAS tutors from the University of Newcastle’s Wollotuka Institute, four experienced ITAS tutors were invited to participate in a yarning circle. Perspectives were captured regarding the quality of relationships that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in higher education. Situated within an Indigenous research paradigm, findings emerged from the student researcher’s reflexive Aboriginal lens and the iterative process of content analysis and qualitative data analysis activities. Analysis revealed that during times of policy and funding changeover, transparency and the provision of community space for open discussion should be made available to all stakeholders. It would appear that ethical and equitable frameworks of support would accommodate the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, particularly those at the polar ends of the academic continuum. The creation of a new socially just discourse would privilege Indigenous knowledges of how to navigate and succeed at the university cultural interface along with the relationships that support this goal.
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(9780587), Tessa Benveniste. "Beyond boarding: An exploration of post-boarding school expectations, experiences and outcomes for remote Aboriginal students, their families and their communities." Thesis, 2018. https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Beyond_boarding_An_exploration_of_post-boarding_school_expectations_experiences_and_outcomes_for_remote_Aboriginal_students_their_families_and_their_communities/13447763.
Full textAbstract:
Education delivery and outcomes in remote Australia frequently feature in political, educational and research discourses. In particular, improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, who are largely achieving at lower levels than non-Indigenous, urban students, has been a priority for decades. Recently, boarding schools are being increasingly viewed as a ‘solution’ to the complexities and purported failure of remote education. However, the discourse supporting boarding school models has developed from a limited evidence base. Further, little space has been awarded in such discussions to the voices of those who work in, send their children to, and who access boarding. Therefore, this thesis explored the expectations, experiences and outcomes of boarding for remote Aboriginal students, their families and their communities. The research focus was developed collaboratively alongside boarding providers, community members and past boarding students from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands, and employed a case study approach to a residential program in South Australia. The research was conducted from a Grounded Theory approach, with qualitative methods combining ethnography, narrative and semi-structured interviews. 55 interviews were conducted with families (11), past students (11), community members (9), and boarding staff (24) across six APY communities, Alice Springs, and Adelaide. Findings fall broadly into three meta-themes; (1) the residence, (2) family and communication, and (3) post-boarding life. While boarding staff were clearly able to articulate the goals for the program, Critical Race Theory provided a useful lens through which to highlight underlying tensions between race, rules and relationships. Strategies for communicating with families were also identified, however it was clear that despite useful technologies, families often relied on relationships with local remote schools to support their communication with the boarding program. Further, while many families made an active choice to send their children to board, for some, lack of alternative options or the knowledge and resources to access alternative options restricted their capacity to make informed choices. Many students were found to have left boarding prior to graduating from high school, making transitions post-boarding difficult and dependent on community, family and personal contexts. This thesis makes a significant contribution to a small but growing field, and is the first to holistically explore the implications of boarding for staff, families, remote communities, and for past boarding students. It explores novel applications of theory in the space, and links findings to implications for future research, policy and practice. Key recommendations include; (1) valuing and building unstructured time into residences to create informal learning opportunities and enhance relationships between staff and students, (2) bridging differences between community and residence life through introducing Anangu mentors and staff into the residence, (3) increased efforts for staff to physically visit communities for longer periods of time (for example through exchanges with remote community teachers or youth workers), (4) providing an external supports to help families to make informed choices about boarding and to navigate application processes, and (5) integrating community educators, family support and employment networks to support transitions beyond boarding.
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Arnold, Anna-Lena. "Applied Epidemiology in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health." Master's thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/110475.
Full textAbstract:
My placement for the Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) degree was with the Evidence and Evaluation section, within the Indigenous Health Division, Australian Government Department of Health. In this thesis, I present projects undertaken which fulfil the requirements of the MAE program. Data analysis project: The Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Key Performance Indicators (NT AHKPIs) are a collection of key performance indicators that measure primary health care (PHC) performance. I conducted a descriptive analytical study of the NT AHKPIs. The data that inform the NT AHKPIs are not currently in the public domain, this chapter is therefore a closed chapter. Evaluation project: I evaluated the NT AHKPIs to assess the extent to which the NT AHKPIs are addressing their intended goals and to determine whether they were being used for other purposes; my approach to the evaluation was utilisation focused. Preliminary findings show that the KPIs are useful to inform service planning and continuous quality improvement, but there is room for improvement. Findings were reported back to the NT AHKPI steering committee to inform ongoing strengthening of the NT AHKPI system. Epidemiological study: Anaemia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the NT is a public health problem. I undertook a study to describe the application of best practice guidelines for screening and management of children aged 6 months to 3 years with anaemia in the NT. Findings show that of 5,543 children, 63% were screened for anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia was 40% - a ‘severe’ public health problem as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). A very low proportion of anaemic children were recorded as treated according to best practice guidelines, however, our findings are subject to multiple potential biases and these findings need to be validated. Outbreak investigation: I was a member of the Communicable Disease Network Australia team that investigated an unusual cluster of Ralstonia bacteraemia from 1 April to 26 June 2014 in three states in Australia. The objectives of this investigation were to assess the possibility of a causal association between the administration of propofol and Ralstonia bacteraemia, and to identify sources of the infections. The propofol solution passed all sterility and contamination tests, but 18% of the flip-off caps and external surfaces of the rubber stoppers were contaminated with a variety of bacterial species including R. mannitolylitica. These isolates were genetically indistinguishable from three out of eight isolates from patients with R. mannitolylitica bacteraemia. Findings from this study highlighted the need for proper aseptic techniques when administering intravenous injections. I spent ten weeks in Sierra Leone supporting the WHO’s response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak (EVD). I summarise my role and responsibilities in the outbreak, including a description of our investigation of a cluster of cases with EVD.
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Riley, Tamara. "Partnerships in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research." Master's thesis, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/201637.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis comprises a collection of applied epidemiological studies including an evaluation and
epidemiological study, an outbreak investigation, and a data analysis. All studies are focused on
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander One Health (which recognises that the health of people is
related to the health of animals and their interaction with the environment), sexual health, and child
health. All studies highlight the importance of partnerships and community involvement.
The first study is an evaluation of a community driven animal health and management program in
the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye in the Northern Territory. Wadeye has approximately
2300 residents and 650 dogs and cats. However, there is very limited access to veterinary care and
animal medicines. To address community concerns regarding animal health, an animal health and
management program was co-developed and implemented by Animal Management in Rural and
Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) and the Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC)
Rangers, with support from the West Daly Regional Council. This study is a quantitative
epidemiological study that evaluated the impact of this animal health and management program in
Wadeye. This included analysing animal and human health outcomes before and after program
implementation to assess the impact of the animal program on the health of animals and people
within the community. This study involved engagement and partnerships with AMRRIC and TDC, as
well as the community of Wadeye.
The second study is an outbreak investigation analysing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
notifications among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Far North Queensland to
determine if an outbreak has occurred. The Tropical Public Health Unit - Cairns observed an increase
in HIV notifications since 2014 affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. HIV has
been notifiable in Queensland since 1984. This study is a quantitative descriptive analysis, using the
Queensland Notifiable Conditions database, to analyse data on HIV notifications from 1 January
1984 - 30 June 2019, to quantify the history of HIV notifications and assess whether an outbreak has
occurred. This study involved engagement and partnerships with local health organisations,
Queensland Health, and the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
The third study is a data analysis focusing on chronic disease risk in Aboriginal children involved in
the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH). SEARCH is a cohort
study of Aboriginal children and adolescents and is conducted with four Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in New South Wales. Chronic disease affects Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander adults at higher rates than non-Indigenous Australian adults. However, it is not
clear if this risk emerges during childhood and/or adolescence. This study is a cross-sectional analysis
that quantifies the distribution of chronic disease markers in the cohort overall, and in relation to
age group, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI). This study involved engagement and partnerships
with two ACCHS including the Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service (based in Western Sydney), and
the Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (based in Wagga Wagga), and also the
SEARCH project team based at the Sax Institute.
The teaching requirements of the MAE are also detailed in this thesis including a lessons from the
field session about the use of logic models in evaluations and a teaching session about One Health in
field epidemiology.
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Loban, Heron. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and consumer law." Thesis, 2018. https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/56957/1/JCU_56957-loban-2018-thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The literature identifies a number of underlying issues that impact on the consumer protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These issues arise from locational (remoteness), historical (protection and assimilation policies enacted through the colonial process) and cultural factors (rooted in tradition, customs and relationships to people and place). These factors act as a unique combination of circumstances which require a specific approach to consumer protection – one that addresses these issues and redresses 'advantage' and 'disadvantage' and 'power' and 'vulnerability'. A significant gap in the literature is an understanding of the role of culture in consumer transactions involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; how to address locational issues; and the enduring historical impact of colonisation on the consumer behaviour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This thesis aims to contribute to this knowledge gap.
The case law points to a particular need to look at options such as increased regulation in respect of matters such as unconscionable conduct, and misleading and deceptive conduct. It also indicates a greater need for access to legal education and community awareness about the consumer protections available to them and how best to exercise these legal rights especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote Australia – to address locational 'disadvantage'. These issues will be explored in depth throughout this thesis including through an analysis of the data collected from semi-structured interviews.
Literacy, numeracy, commercial acumen and financial literacy also appear to impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers in the same way they did 25 years ago, as evidenced by the analysis in Chapter 2 of the case law over this period. Inequality experienced as a result of socio-economic factors will continue to place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers at a 'disadvantage' for as long as this inequality (gap) remains.
Positively, there is one area in which change is occurring; this is in respect of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer 'vulnerability' within the new generation has in some ways decreased as a consequence of generational differences and generational change within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
The influence of culture and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values (such as relationality) is strong and continues to contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers' 'vulnerability'.
There are challenges present in the consumer protection law that negatively impact on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person's ability to make informed decisions relate to interpretation and enforcement processes. Rather, the weight of the data together with an analysis of the case law leads to the conclusion that the law is sufficient but that problems lie in the broader themes of discrimination, socio-economic disadvantage and access to justice.
Addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer 'vulnerability' and 'disadvantage' cannot be attended to by the consumer protection laws alone, nor simply by consumer watchdogs, courts, financial counsellors and lawyers working independently from one another. A combination of all of these is required, pieced together within a broader strategy for improving all aspects of the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Jones, Roxanne. "The epidemiology of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, health and wellbeing." Master's thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/156448.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is a compilation of applied epidemiological studies undertaken throughout the course of the Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) program. The focus of this thesis is on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing and uses a strengths based, mixed methods approach. Community based participatory research methodologies were utilized in these studies. An outbreak investigation was also undertaken as part of the MAE competencies. This thesis includes the following studies:
- The data analysis and major epidemiological studies explore the association between caring for country, through participation in a Ranger program, and wellbeing. A cross sectional analysis of data collected in Central Australia in 2017, comparing health and wellbeing (life satisfaction, general health, psychological wellbeing and family wellbeing) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed as Rangers (n=43) versus not employed as Rangers (n=160).
- The Stronger Communities for Children (SCfC) program was evaluated through collection of cultural participation data (a key program outcome). Community based participatory research was utilised and community researchers were trained in delivering the survey through partnership with the Palngun Wurnangat Aboriginal Corporation, the Kardu Lurruth Ngala Purrungime Committee and the National Centre of Epidemiology and Population Health.
- An outbreak investigation was undertaken of a cluster of Salmonella Typhimurium with a unique MLVA pattern in Canberra, ACT. Descriptive epidemiology and an environmental investigation was undertaken to identify the source of the pathogen, and implement public health measures to mitigate risk to the public of further infection.
This thesis outlines additional activities undertaken during the MAE. Peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, lesson plans and study proposals are included throughout.
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West, Matthew. "“Footprints for Life” foot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples." Thesis, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1445698.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (Phd)The limited available data shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have disproportionately high rates of diabetes-related foot disease, and experience amputation up to 38 times more frequently than non-Indigenous Australians. The high rate of diabetes-related foot disease in this population results in reduced quality of life, elevated hospitalisation rates and associated expenditure, and significantly contributes to preventable deaths. The reasons for higher rates of diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are complex, with a lack of available culturally safe care, low socioeconomic status and poor engagement with Western health services significantly contributing to the current catastrophic outcomes. To effectively address diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, a better understanding of the extent of the problem is required, and, there needs to be improved access to culturally safe foot care through better service provision and a more culturally capable health workforce. This thesis had the overarching aims of establishing the foot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the local Central Coast community, and developing methods to improve access to, and delivery of, culturally safe foot care. This thesis investigated, via systematic review, the current state of diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the availability and effectiveness of foot care services to reduce diabetes-related foot complications in this population. The reviews demonstrated there is a lack of nationwide data relating to diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and, that most data focuses on amputation rates, with little information available regarding specific types of diabetes-related foot complications. Nevertheless we found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples had between a 3 to 6 fold increased likelihood of both foot ulcer and minor or major amputation, and, that these occurred at a younger age. Furthermore, we found no evidence of state- or nation-wide foot health programs for prevention of diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Existing services were localised and there was little evaluation of the acceptability of these programs, levels of community engagement or impact on foot disease. Subsequently through an extensive community consultation process we used an effective co-design approach to develop a foot care service embedded in an undergraduate podiatry program. Key design elements included; integrating ongoing community consultation; involvement of Aboriginal health workers and practitioners connected to their local community; recognising the role of community in cultural capability training of health students; and, creating a flexible and accessible care model that is aligned with the community foot care priorities. To conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the foot care service model, we used culturally appropriate methods to determine the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective of program success through research yarns and customised surveys, as well as service utilisation data. These data demonstrated that service elements including yarning circles and group appointments, as well as student placements, increased participant engagement with, and ownership of the clinic. Increasing accessibility to the clinic was flagged as a mechanism to further increase engagement. In addition, student placement in a culturally safe clinic significantly improved students’ understanding of multiple aspects of cultural capability (e.g. understanding of culture, history, and their interrelationship with health and health care delivery), and level of confidence with providing culturally appropriate and safe foot care. In summary this research highlights the devastating impact of diabetes-related foot disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of a co-designed approach to delivery of culturally safe foot health care, as well as the central role of immersive experiences for developing a culturally safe future podiatry workforce.
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Gilligan, Conor. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: an examination of smoking during pregnancy." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/29578.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)After decades of discrimination and deprivation, Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population faces social circumstances and health status which resemble that of a third world population group. With a wide range of health risk factors and morbidities among this population, a logical place to begin tackling the health problems is at the beginning of life. With increasing recognition of the influence of the intrauterine environment upon health, not only during infancy but into adulthood, improving health during pregnancy offers substantial benefit for present and future generations. The poor health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is deeply ingrained in social deprivation, poor mental well-being, and an array of modifiable risk factors. Smoking is one risk factor at the centre of this complex web. Smoking is often accompanied by, or used as relief in, stressful situations associated with socioeconomic status, mental health, illness, and other addictions. In order to determine the most appropriate way to tackle the smoking issue among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, a series of studies were conducted. Initial literature reviews found limited evidence derived from methodologically rigorous studies in mainstream populations, and even less evidence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or other Indigenous groups. Exploration of the knowledge and attitudes of these women in relation to antenatal smoking was conducted to identify the most appropriate targets for intervention. The findings from extensive background studies were drawn upon to design an intervention which aimed to be culturally appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, providing intensive support to assist these women to quit smoking during their pregnancy. Pilot data from the resulting intervention is presented in Chapter 8 of this Thesis. The social network among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities appears to play a central role in the behaviour of individuals. With an array of risk factors and influences found not only in the individuals surrounding women, but in their socioeconomic circumstances and overall environment, it may be that the most important approach for achieving health and behaviour change among this population is the mobilisation of social support and efforts to intervene with multiple elements of that environment.
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Gilligan, Conor. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: an examination of smoking during pregnancy." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/29578.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)After decades of discrimination and deprivation, Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population faces social circumstances and health status which resemble that of a third world population group. With a wide range of health risk factors and morbidities among this population, a logical place to begin tackling the health problems is at the beginning of life. With increasing recognition of the influence of the intrauterine environment upon health, not only during infancy but into adulthood, improving health during pregnancy offers substantial benefit for present and future generations. The poor health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is deeply ingrained in social deprivation, poor mental well-being, and an array of modifiable risk factors. Smoking is one risk factor at the centre of this complex web. Smoking is often accompanied by, or used as relief in, stressful situations associated with socioeconomic status, mental health, illness, and other addictions. In order to determine the most appropriate way to tackle the smoking issue among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, a series of studies were conducted. Initial literature reviews found limited evidence derived from methodologically rigorous studies in mainstream populations, and even less evidence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or other Indigenous groups. Exploration of the knowledge and attitudes of these women in relation to antenatal smoking was conducted to identify the most appropriate targets for intervention. The findings from extensive background studies were drawn upon to design an intervention which aimed to be culturally appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, providing intensive support to assist these women to quit smoking during their pregnancy. Pilot data from the resulting intervention is presented in Chapter 8 of this Thesis. The social network among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities appears to play a central role in the behaviour of individuals. With an array of risk factors and influences found not only in the individuals surrounding women, but in their socioeconomic circumstances and overall environment, it may be that the most important approach for achieving health and behaviour change among this population is the mobilisation of social support and efforts to intervene with multiple elements of that environment.
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Stolte, Gretchen Marie. "That's deadly! An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts studio in Cairns, Queensland." Phd thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/155872.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is an ethnographic and historical account of art and identity production by Indigenous artists in far north Queensland, Australia. It explores how both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists begin to understand and express their Indigeneity through artwork in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art studio in the Tropical North Queensland College of Technical and Further Education (TNQT TAFE), Cairns. It examines why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people choose to enter into the TNQT Indigenous arts program, how they navigate the expectations of the course and the arts market, while highlighting the complexities and difficulties of being an Indigenous artist. The history of this unique program - the first of its kind in Australia - explores the desires of the students who first created it in 1984 as well as the students who enter through the studio doors in 2010. The studio demands a certain form of expression and 'cultural' knowledge, which fits well with some students and not so well with others. Looking at the artworks painted, dyed, carved and printed in the studio gives testament to the various ways in which students engage with the issues of representation and how they understand their place in the world. "Deadly" was the highest compliment an Indigenous artist could give an artwork inside the studio and the concept is defined as the basis from which an Indigenous artwork is recognised, promoted and accepted. What is or is not deadly centres around contested spaces and ideas of 'culture' - a concept which has been enmeshed with concepts of identity. The history of Indigenous art production in Queensland, along with the purposeful development of an art market and the effects of government policies in conceptualising that market, has been largely left unexplored but has had an enormous effect on the development and expression of Indigenous identity and approaches to an objectified idea of culture as something which is visible rather than internal. This thesis looks at how contemporary, urban Indigenous artists face a number of stereotypes and public expectations when producing artworks. These expectations create a range of tensions for artists that stem from both the success of works from the Northern Territory as well as the past policies of the Queensland government. In particular, it will be shown that the actions of the government body established in the 1950s to create a market for Aboriginal art, Queensland Aboriginal Creations (QAC) has left a mixed legacy for Queensland Indigenous artists. Their art styles have been misinterpreted as derivative copies of 'true' Indigenous works and the positive outcomes that have come from QAC's engagement with communities and artist has not been fully recognised. The legacy of QAC continues on to today and the TNQT Cairns Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art studio reflects these tensions in Indigenous art.
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Leroy-Dyer, Sharlene Michelle. "Private-sector employment programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: comparative case studies." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1316869.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold a unique position in Australian society, yet they are the most disadvantaged group in the community. This disadvantage is a direct result of the effects of European invasion and the systematic exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from many institutions of Australian society, such as social security, industrial relations and education systems. The unemployment rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is three times the national average, the highest unemployment rate of any group in the Australian labour market. Participation rates, skills, qualifications and income are all well below those of the non-Indigenous population. Since 1967, successive Commonwealth governments have attempted to correct these past policies by being proactive in promoting Indigenous education and employment, and by putting policies into place to redress the disadvantage that Indigenous peoples face. This thesis considers a range of employment issues that relate particularly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ employment. While noting some of the employment strategies utilised by governments, the particular focus of the thesis is with the strategies pursued by private-sector organisations to manage diversity and to reduce labour market disadvantage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By exploring these strategies, the thesis aims to identify what works and what does not work. In so doing, the thesis presents an original contribution to knowledge as the first study to examine private-sector attempts to redress labour market disadvantage for these peoples. In addition, the research will provide the basis for formulating and evaluative framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment.
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Strobel, Natalie. "Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia." Master's thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/155692.
Full textAbstract:
I completed my Masters of Applied Epidemiology during 2017-18 with the NHMRC funded Centre for Research Excellence in Improving Health Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children (CRE ISAC) located at the University of Western Australia. My projects focussed mostly on social epidemiology, with the exception of my outbreak.
Chapter two provides a case-control study of a point source outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, which occurred at a university residential college in April 2018. Epidemiological and environmental investigation identified the most likely source of the outbreak to be raw eggs used in coleslaw. Public health action was the provision of information on the safe handling of eggs to prevent further outbreaks.
Chapter three, public health data analysis, was a population-based birth cohort study using linked datasets with information on a cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and their mothers and siblings. The 2009 and 2012 Australian Early Development Census was used to assess developmental vulnerability across five domains of development in Aboriginal children born in Western Australia. Latent class analysis was used identify and describe profiles of risk for developmental vulnerability. Six distinct classes were identified.
My surveillance project, provided in chapter four, was the evaluation of the Western Australian population based data linkage Intellectual Disability Exploring Answers (IDEA) surveillance system. I evaluated the usefulness, simplicity, flexibility, data quality, acceptability, representativeness, timeliness, and stability of the IDEA system. This was completed by process observation, semi-structured interviews and data analysis. The IDEA system has successfully been used to understand prevalence rates and inform resource allocation. Advocacy organisations could play an important role in the sustainability of the system. Additional variables or enhanced surveillance for functional capacity could strengthen the system and provide information for people living with intellectual disability and their families.
Chapter five is my epidemiology project which was a cross-sectional study of 1554 clinical child health audits and associated systems assessments from 74 primary care services from 2012-2014. Composite process of care indicators (PoCIs) were developed for social and emotional wellbeing, child neurodevelopment and anaemia. Crude and adjusted logistic regression models were fitted clustering for health services. 32.0% (449) of records had a social and emotional wellbeing PoCI, 56.6% (791) had an anaemia PoCI and 49.3% (430) had a child neurodevelopment PoCI. The study found that the need for young Indigenous children aged 24-59 months to receive quality care for important social and health indicators should be a priority. Processes of care and organisational systems within primary care services are important for the optimal management of anaemia in Indigenous children.
The final chapter concludes with my lessons from the field. This provided me with an opportunity to deliver a count regression teaching opportunity to my peers.
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Kilcullen, Meegan Lesley. "Explorations of understandings of mental health in an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sample." Thesis, 2011. https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/29143/1/29143_Kilcullen_2011_thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
It has been acknowledged that the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has been 'bedevilled' by the inappropriate application of non- Indigenous models of mental health. Given the poor health outcomes of Indigenous people, another approach to mental health practice is perhaps required. In order to enhance Indigenous health and wellbeing, it is necessary for non-Indigenous practitioners to find a culturally safe way in which to enter the negotiated space of cross-cultural mental health. Such practice can be facilitated through understanding both the points of similarity and divergence in perspectives of mental health across cultures. While the majority of Indigenous people live in urban areas, understandings of Indigenous mental health have primarily been derived from research in rural and remote communities. It is unclear whether findings from rural and remote research are applicable in urban Indigenous communities. The aim of the current research is to address this gap and to explore understandings of mental health in an urban Indigenous sample. This study provided a voice for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to convey their understandings of mental health so that an accurate representation may be available for those who are engaged in health promotion and mental health treatment.
Using a positive psychology framework, a strengths-based approach was taken in this study in order to explore understandings of mental health. A qualitative research investigation was conducted with a sample of 19 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. Data was collected via individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Qualitative analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. A model of Indigenous mental health was developed taking an holistic perspective. Four themes emerged as reflecting health and wellbeing and are presented in a model of Indigenous mental health:-
• Coping Skills: emotional, behavioural and cognitive;
• Knowledge: regarding physical health and access to mental health care;
• Social Support: personal resources and help-seeking behaviours; and
• Connectedness: cultural, social and family and kinship.
The theme of connectedness emerged as reflecting a unique contribution to Indigenous health and wellbeing. The role of connectedness to country, family and kinship, knowledge and social networks was highlighted. Further, the theme of connectedness also emerged as central to supporting cultural identity. Not only did connectedness promote and protect mental health and cultural identity, factors that diminished cultural identity also negatively impacted upon mental health. The striking similarity between mental health and cultural identity, as seen in the common theme of connectedness, highlights the necessity of attending to cultural factors to facilitate positive health outcomes.
This model of Indigenous mental health begins to fill in the boundaries of the negotiated space that is cross-cultural psychology - the space where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge offers a path or guidelines to enhance health and wellbeing. It is essential to address those factors that are similar across cultures – coping skills, social support and knowledge, but also to engage at the cultural interface of connectedness to culture, kinship and social networks.
This information has implications for cross-cultural clinical practice, through providing a map for non-Indigenous practitioners to engage in culturally safe practice. Further, this information will support the development of culturally safe health and wellbeing programs that sustain and nurture the cultural identity and mental health of Indigenous people. In this way, meaningful contributions may be made by health professionals to 'close the gap' in health and mental health outcomes for Indigenous people.
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Leonard, Dympna. "Anaemia among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their mothers in Far North Queensland." Thesis, 2019. https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/65218/1/JCU_65218_Leonard_2019_thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Dympna Leonard studied anaemia among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and mothers in Far North Queensland. She identified high rates of anaemia in the first thousand days of life - in pregnancy and early childhood - associated with developmental disadvantage at school-age. Health services are now considering options for anaemia prevention.
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(9824918), Ruth Pape. "Mammographic parenchymal patterns of New South Wales north coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women." Thesis, 2014. https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Mammographic_parenchymal_patterns_of_New_South_Wales_north_coast_Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_women/13436219.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this thesis was to document the distribution of mammographic parenchymal patterns (MPPs) for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women attending BreastScreen New South Wales North Coast (BSNSWNC); to profile breast cancer risk as it relates to breast density; and to explore the correlations among MPPs, age and breast length as described by the posterior nipple line (PNL). The PNL criterion is defined as a reference line drawn from the nipple at right angles to the anterior aspect of the pectoral muscle contour or to the back of the image whichever comes first (Spuur et al. 2011).
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(13157530), Vanessa Seekee. "Horn Island, Torres Strait and the 1939-1945 Star Medal." Thesis, 2003. https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Horn_Island_Torres_Strait_and_the_1939-1945_Star_Medal/20380137.
Full textAbstract:
This dissertation explores the anomaly of Horn Island, Torres Strait, being classified a non -operational area during World War Two. It explains why this designation was wrong, and why it needed to be changed in order that the men and women who served there be accorded the recognition that they had been striving for since the war concluded. The concrete measure of that recognition comes in the form of the 1939- 1945 Star Medal. This prestigious award is for duty in an area that came under enemy attack during the Second World War, until 1993 restricted to those who served overseas. The dissertation plots the activities of Air Force and Army squadrons and units at Horn Island, both Australian and American, draws on an extensive bank of oral evidence, and focuses on the experiences of those who served there. Their histories portray what life was like at that Advanced Operational Airbase, and demonstrate the effect Horn Island service had on veterans. These are tangible demonstrations and are attested to by the fact that 60 years later the men and women have begun to return. They are being drawn back to their island of service, to walk in the steps of their youth, recapturing a past that will soon be lost to memory. Many bring their descendants to pass down their family's wartime heritage. On 26 October 2001 the 1939-1945 Star Medal finally was awarded to qualifying Tones Strait veterans, a decision that affected thousands of men, and a handful of women, who now hold the physical symbol that their wartime service has been acknowledged. However, for many other Horn Island veterans there is still unfinished business.
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McBain-Rigg, Kristin Emma. "Who cares?: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care choices and access barriers in Mount Isa." Thesis, 2011. https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/31287/1/31287_McBainRigg_2011_thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis presents an illustration of the access barriers to health care as experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. This examination is conducted via fieldwork observations and the narratives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Mount Isa, as well as the stories of the health professionals that care for them. In particular, this thesis attempts to unpack the term 'cultural barriers' as used in health and medical literature in discussions of access.
Stories are placed within the context of Australian rural health issues and considerations of global issues affecting rural, minority and Indigenous populations. The research represents a distinct blend of anthropology and health services research principles and practices. This perspective is developed utilising principles from the 'Mindful Bodies' approach within Critical Medical Anthropology, which seeks an understanding of human health issues via examination at three levels (or bodies): the individual body, the social body and the body politic (Scheper-Hughes and Lock 1987). Critical issues of concern with regards to health service provision in Mount Isa are examined using Penchansky and Thomas's (1981) taxonomy, the 5As of Access. This taxonomy allows for a nuanced discussion of access by unpacking the term and identifying the various aspects that create access: Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Accommodation and Acceptance. Dedicated ethnographic fieldwork was undertaken in Mount Isa from October 2007 to August 2009.
An examination of the ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Mount Isa express their understandings of the barriers to health care has two advantages. First, such discussions at a local level align with and illuminate the barriers that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations nationally. Second, the significance assigned to such barriers, and examination of what may constitute a cultural barrier (as discussed in health literature) highlights the ways in which cultural difference becomes constructed as problematic in health system encounters.
Culture should not be seen as a barrier to health care, but should be seen as an opportunity for increased awareness, understanding and improved personal care for patients in the health system.